Development
Oceans and small island States at UNGA 81
Raised by 58 of 223 speakers. Read verbatim UN transcript quotes and select a time to hear the speech.
Speeches that raised oceans and small island states
Naoero · Day 1David Ranibok AdeangWhat I ask of the world costs nothing, Join us in recognizing and respecting the identity that is already ours.
Say our name, Nauru.
Mr. President, Nauru is an ocean state.
13passages
Seychelles · Day 1Mathew Antonio Patrick HerminiePeople is vital to maritime security.
The oceans are the lifeblood of global trade.
When maritime routes are threatened by piracy, geopolitical friction, or armed aggression, the shocks ripple far beyond regional waters, devastating vulnerable island economies.
5passages
France · Day 1Emmanuel MacronAnd we did it.
Just look at the oceans.
A few years ago, everybody said it was impossible to craft agreements so as to protect marine areas, protect the oceans.
4passages
Belgium · Day 1Maxime PrévotWe can defend our interests while accepting that others have rights too.
And when rules are clear and predictable enough, a space of competition can still remain a space of cooperation.
The ocean, moreover, are far more than the highways of our trades.
4passages
Chile · Day 1José Antonio Kastall of its causes rather.
We are committed to the high seas agreement known as the BBNJ and we proposed Valparaiso as the headquarters of its executive secretariat.
That means that we now have the first UN body to ever have had a headquarters in Latin America and this is an agreement which brings together many different sectors in Chile to play this role.
1passages
Luxembourg · Day 1Guillaume of LuxembourgMadam President, Climate change reminds us perhaps more clearly than any other challenge that we cannot solve global problems by acting alone.
It transcends borders and generations.
Small island developing states already experiences consequences that threaten their very existence.
1passages
Republic of Korea · Day 1Lee Jae MyungWe are ready to share our experience and best practices with the international community.
Co-hosting the fourth UN Ocean Conference with Chile in 2028, reflects our commitment to leading discussions on the sustainable development of our oceans.
Third, the Coalition for Global Energy Supply Chains.
1passages
Suriname · Day 1Jennifer Geerlings-SimonsLikewise, we underscore the relevance of a dedicated representation for small island states and low-lying coastal developing states.
Mr. President, regional and international partnerships remain indispensable to achieve our economic and social objectives As Suriname continues to actively engage in various regional bodies and mechanisms, including CARICOM, CELAC, ACTO, and the Brasilia Consensus.
As Suriname prepares to be the chair of the Caribbean Community, CARICOM, in 2027, we are also committed to further strengthen our partnership globally in different areas of shared interest.
1passages
Dominica · Day 1Sylvanie BurtonWe have chosen not only to adapt to climate change, but to demonstrate what a climate-resilient economy and country can look like.
And we have chosen to move from dependence to greater resilience.
Mr. President, in 2017, Category 5 Hurricane Maria demonstrated with devastating force the vulnerability of small island states like Dominica.
1passages
United Republic of Tanzania · Day 1Deogratius NdejembiMr. President, Tanzania joins small island and coastal states in pushing for a workable solution to address sea level rises.
We commend the President for convening today the high-level event addressing the existential threats posed by sea level rise, and we look forward to the adoption of the UN Declaration on Sea Level Rise, which will provide a comprehensive framework for international cooperation, scientific advancement, adaptation resilience, and legal stability.
We welcome the declaration's legal affirmation on the stability of maritime zones under United Nations Convention on Law of the Seas and the continuity of statehood, even in cases of physical land loss, while encouraging strengthened international cooperation and the protection of human rights.
1passages
Trinidad and Tobago · Day 1Kamla Persad-BissessarTransnational organized crime, continues to pose a serious threat to the security and development of small island states.
Small states face serious challenges from sophisticated criminal networks that move people, that move weapons, that move narcotics, and illicit finance across national borders.
For Trinidad and Tobago, this is not an abstract threat.
1passages
Japan · Day 1Takaichi SanaeJapan will continue to promote its diplomacy towards Africa so that Japan and Africa can become more resilient and prosperous together.
For example, we will promote industrial development, job creation, and enhanced connectivity in Africa.
Furthermore, next year, I will host the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, PIM, in Yokohama, Japan, which Japan has convened together with the Pacific Islands region since 1997.
1passages